Catcher Kevin Plawecki and first baseman Jayce Boyd earned spots in the starting line-up for the Southern Division. Plawecki is batting .343 with six homeruns and 39 RBIs through 53 games. Boyd maintains a solid .350 average while having racked up numerous multi-hit games. He most notably hit .500 during the most recent home stand versus the Augusta GreenJackets.

Outfielder Brandon Nimmo was named as a utility player and will see action during the All-Star Game. Although Nimmo spent some time on the DL in May, the young outfielder is hitting .304. After going hitless his first few games back, he is starting to regain his confidence having at least one hit in each of the four games in Kannapolis.

Both starter Gabriel Ynoa and closer Bret Mitchell will represent the Sand Gnats in the Southern Division bullpen. Ynoa is 7-2 on the season and Mitchell has tallied nine saves. On Sunday June 2, Ynoa became the first pitcher in the SAL to throw a complete game this season. He allowed only one run on five hits against the Kannapolis Intimidators.

The All-Star game takes place in Lakewood, New Jersey at FirstEnergy Park on Tuesday, June 18th. First pitch is at
7:05pm. More information can be found on the website of the Lakewood Blueclaws at www.blueclaws.com/allstar.